8x8 shines the light on the amazing members of our community. In this post, we spotlight Jack Llaneta of Continental.

8x8: Jack, tell us about your job.

Jack Llaneta (JL): Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Our headquarters is in Germany, but I'm based in Manila. I'm a Senior Associate IT Engineer for multiple applications including 8x8. I came into that role when my colleague left the company last April.  I previously served as the backup administrator. Some things are still relatively new, but we're getting there.

8x8: What path led you to Continental?

JL: In college I studied computer engineering. After I finished school, I joined a BPO as a technical support manager supporting Dell Computers, providing hardware support and Microsoft Windows assistance. Later, I moved to Dubai and then to Saudi Arabia to support various IT teams. I returned to Manila where I worked for Telus, a Canadian Teleco, before joining Continental.

8x8: What drew you to technology?

JL: In my third year of high school, we were asked what endeavor we would like to pursue. We were presented with many different options, and IT interested me. I found computers fascinating and cool.  At the time, they were relatively new. We had dial up internet access! Technology is fascinating. Every single day, every single year, we get new platforms and new applications. I have a passion for computers and technology, so I never get bored in IT.

8x8: Where do you find professional inspiration?

JL: From good managers—working with them, seeing them, following their practices. Their leadership has inspired my professional ethics.

8x8: How do you stay current on IT trends?

JL: My phone is a great source for new information. Google tracks your activity on your mobile phone. Whatever you search, it pops up new and related articles like news and articles about new gadgets, new technologies, new applications, new platforms, etc.  I follow Microsoft on LinkedIn and other groups as well.

8x8: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting a career in technology?

JL: Find your passion because you'll never get tired of your work. IT is like a wide sea with a whole lot of variety—security, hardware, software with development. Do not be afraid to go with new technologies, to adapt to new environments. There's a special line in a zombie apocalypse movie that I've watched before, World War Z. In it, Brad Pitt says, "Movement is life."  He's telling someone that if he stays put in one position, he'll die. It's pretty similar to technology. Right now, you may have a certain kind of processor, but next year, it may be an upgraded version. It's one of a million examples of how things change. I find that really fascinating, and that's why I enjoy working in technology.

8x8: What do you like best about 8x8?

JL: I like the features. I really like how 8x8 Work looks compared to our previous vendor Interactive Intelligence. The GUI of 8x8 Work is really good. It's really easy to use. I like 8x8 support. They keep us informed of things going on with patches and planned maintenance.

8x8: On a personal note, what are your hobbies?

JL: Watching Japanese anime and collecting Funkos.  I also enjoy playing video games on my phone, particularly Mobile Legends. On my desktop computer, I enjoy playing Blizzard's Warcraft and Defense of the Ancients. I also enjoy singing and spending time with my dogs.

(Editor's note: This spotlight originally appeared on the 8x8 Community.)

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